Historical Background of Jane Eyre: A Pre-reading to the Text

Before diving into Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre (1847), here are some key things that will enhance your reading experience.

1. Historical and Social Context (Victorian Era – Mid-19th Century):

• Women’s Limited Roles: During this period, women, especially those without wealth or family connections, had very few opportunities. Marriage was often the primary path for security and social standing. The novel deeply explores these restrictions and Jane’s struggle for independence and agency.
• The Governess Position: Being a governess was one of the few respectable ways for an educated, middle-class woman to earn a living. However, it was an ambiguous social position—neither truly a servant nor a lady of the house—leading to isolation and often mistreatment, as seen in Jane’s own experiences. Charlotte Brontë herself worked as a governess, which informed her portrayal.
• Class Divisions: Victorian society was highly stratified by class. Jane Eyre showcases the sharp divide between the aristocracy, the emerging middle class, and the working class, and how social standing impacts relationships and opportunities.
• Religion and Morality: Christian morality and religious fervor played a significant role in Victorian life. The novel grapples with different interpretations of faith, hypocrisy, and genuine moral conviction.
• Colonialism and Slavery: The British Empire was at its height, and colonialism had a significant impact. References to the West Indies and the legacy of slavery appear in the novel, particularly concerning certain characters and their backgrounds.

2. Literary Genre and Style:

• Bildungsroman (Coming-of-Age Story): Jane Eyre is a classic example of a Bildungsroman, tracing the protagonist’s moral, psychological, and intellectual growth from childhood to adulthood.
• Gothic Elements: The novel incorporates elements of Gothic literature, such as a mysterious atmosphere, dark and imposing settings (Thornfield Hall), secrets, supernatural undertones, and themes of madness and despair.
• Romanticism: While Victorian, it retains elements of Romanticism, particularly in its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the power of nature.
• First-Person Narrative: The story is told from Jane’s perspective, offering deep insight into her thoughts, feelings, and internal struggles. This subjective narration allows for a profound connection with her character.
• Proto-Feminist Themes: Though written in the 19th century, Jane Eyre is often considered a groundbreaking “proto-feminist” (feminist ideas, thoughts, and writings that predate the formal feminist movement, particularly before the 19th and 20th centuries) novel. Jane is a strong, independent female character who defies societal expectations, seeks intellectual and emotional fulfillment, and asserts her self-worth even when it challenges social norms.

3. Key Themes to Look For:

• Independence vs. Love/Belonging: Jane’s central quest is to find love and a sense of belonging without sacrificing her autonomy and moral integrity.
• Social Justice and Injustice: The novel highlights instances of cruelty, unfair treatment, and hypocrisy, particularly within institutions and social structures.
• Passion vs. Reason/Duty: Jane constantly battles between her intense emotions and her strong moral compass and sense of duty.
• Identity and Self-Worth: Jane, being plain and orphaned, struggles to find her place and recognize her own value in a society that often judges based on appearance, wealth, and status.
• The Search for Home and Family: A recurring theme as Jane seeks a place where she truly belongs and finds genuine connection and acceptance.
• Madness and Secrecy: The presence of secrets and the theme of madness are crucial to the plot and character development.
• Direct Address to the Reader: Jane often addresses the reader directly (“Reader, I married him.”). This creates intimacy and invites the reader into her thoughts and judgments.
• Retrospective Narration: Jane narrates her story from a point in the future (ten years after the ending). This allows for reflection, commentary, and a mature understanding of past events. Point out instances where her older, wiser self comments on her younger self’s actions or feelings.

4. Charlotte Brontë’s Personal Life (Briefly):

• Early Life and Tragedies: Brontë experienced a challenging childhood marked by the early deaths of her mother and two elder sisters.
• Boarding School Experience: Her traumatic experience at the Clergy Daughters’ School at Cowan Bridge directly influenced the portrayal of Lowood School in the novel, highlighting its harsh conditions.
• Working as a Governess: Her own time as a governess provided a realistic understanding of Jane’s social and economic struggles.
• Pseudonym: Charlotte Brontë, like her sisters Emily and Anne, published under a male pseudonym (“Currer Bell”) to avoid the biases faced by female authors at the time.

Knowing these points will help you appreciate the depth of Jane Eyre as both a compelling story and a significant work of literature that challenged the conventions of its time.